Indian off-spinner Ravi Ashwin has shared his thoughts on Test cricket after former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri made a controversial statement regarding the longest format of the game. The 1983 World Cup winner had said that only the top three or four teams should play Test Cricket. Ashwin went on to disagree with Shastri’s comments while sharing how Test cricket is a necessity for all countries.
The veteran bowler has been one of the best red-ball cricketers in the country and is also India’s leading wicket-taker amongst active players. He feels that the first-class structure will only grow if there is Test Cricket. Ashwin went on to explain why every country needs to have good structure in first-class cricket as it leads to more opportunities. He added how opportunities eventually helps players in developing their game which result in better performances in the T20 format as well.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 35-year-old said, “Recently Ravi Bhai said Test cricket should be made as a format that only 3-4 nations play. But when 3-4 nations play, teams like Ireland won’t get the opportunity to play. Only when you play Test cricket, your first-class structure will get better.” He added, “And only when your first-class structure is good, people will get more opportunities. And players who do well in first-class cricket mold their game according to T20 cricket. That’s how cricket has shaped up.”
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The 35-year-old recently made a comeback to the Indian team set up after a eight month exile from the national team in the shortest format of the game. He recently featured in the ongoing T20I series against West Indies and looked to be in good touch. Ashwin spoke how about the lack of first-class cricket in West Indies and shared how they are currently focused on the shorter formats of the game. He claims how lack of first class cricket has led to a slump in their ODI and T20I cricket.
He said, “How will you strengthen first-class cricket? For that Test cricket needs to be relevant in your country. If Test cricket is not relevant, they won’t play it with full interest. I’m currently in West Indies and here we can see that first-class cricket is almost gone. There are multiple T20 tournaments.”
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Smit is a sports writer at Gutshot Magazine. After completing his Bachelor’s in Mass Media, and a Master’s degree in Sports Management, this sports fanatic uses articles as a tool to express his opinions. Bring up cricket or football and you will find this usually quiet guy speak for hours! He also co-heads the official supporters club of Chelsea FC in Mumbai, wherein he hosts screenings, football meets and other such events.
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